Description

The C&O Canal Towpath follows the route of the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which operated from the mid-19th to the early 20th century.

Listing every historical site en route would require an essay, but suffice to say that you can expect lockhouses, aqueducts, and countless other historical sites, both on the canal and close to it. In addition the historical interest, the trail also leads you through a diverse range of landscapes, and, along the way, you'll encounter breathtaking views of the Potomac River, particularly in the more remote sections of the trail.

While the trail can be popular in certain sections, particularly closer to Washington, D.C., it's also possible to find solitude and tranquility, especially in the more remote stretches of the trail.

The trail is relatively flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for hikers of all levels of experience.

However, it's still a long-distance hike, spanning approximately 184.5 miles from end to end.

Count on taking a couple of weeks to complete the whole thing, and enjoy staying in some of the charming towns along the way.